THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURE AND ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE DELIVERY AS PREDICTORS OF HEALTH BEHAVIOURS AMONG MALAYSIANS OF DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS

Authors

  • Mary Jane Botabara-Yap Adventist University of the Philippines
  • Miriam Razon-Estrada Adventist University of the Philippines
  • Edwin Balila Adventist University of the Philippines

Keywords:

health behavior, primary health care, culture, health promotion, access to health care, Malaysia, survey

Abstract

Changing a person’s health behavior is a daunting task. This crosssectional study aimed at finding the influence of culture and delivery of health care as predictors of health behavior (such as diet, physical activity, sleeping and smoking) among Malaysians. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 459 respondents consisting of Chinese, Malays, and Indians. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation as well as multiple regression. Results show that culture predicted diet (unstandardized coefficient of 0.39, a t-value of 8.81) and sleeping (unstandardized coefficient of 0.41, a t-value of 5.30). Accessibility to health care delivery had a negative influence on diet (unstandardized coefficient of -0.07, a t-value of -2.31) and sleeping (unstandardized coefficient of -0.10, a t-value of -0.08). However, access to health care had a positive influence on physical activity (p < 0.05 < 0.01). Findings suggest that health promotion is a complex undertaking, one that requires understanding of the culture of the population.

Author Biographies

  • Mary Jane Botabara-Yap, Adventist University of the Philippines

    DrPH
    Chair, Public Health Department
    Adventist University of the Philippines
    Silang, Cavite Philippines

  • Miriam Razon-Estrada, Adventist University of the Philippines

    Faculty, College of Health
    Adventist University of the Philippines
    Silang, Cavite, Philippines

  • Edwin Balila, Adventist University of the Philippines

    PhD
    Dean, College of Science and Technology
    Adventist University of the Philippines
    Silang, Cavite, Philippines

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Published

2017-12-01

How to Cite

THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURE AND ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE DELIVERY AS PREDICTORS OF HEALTH BEHAVIOURS AMONG MALAYSIANS OF DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS. (2017). International Forum Journal, 20(2), 57-74. https://journals.aiias.edu/info/article/view/64

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